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MANILA, Philippines—President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo left Thursday for a three-day working visit to China and to watch the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics.
Arroyo, accompanied by First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo and an 11-person delegation departed from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 aboard a chartered Philippine Airlines flight at 5:55 a.m.
Arroyo's first stop will be in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, which was struck by a powerful earthquake two months ago.
Chengdu is also a popular investment destination in China.
On August 8, Arroyo will fly to Beijing to watch the opening ceremonies of the Olympics with at least 80 other world leaders, including US President George W. Bush and Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.
In Beijing, she will have bilateral talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao on trade and economic cooperation.
Arroyo will also have a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Games with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
Fifteen Filipino athletes will compete in the Olympics in eight events. International boxing champion Manny Pacquiao will be the country's official flag bearer during the Games.
